Nandigram returning officer was threatened by EC official, says Mamata

Mamata declared she would go to the Supreme Court against the Election Commission

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ITDC NEWS Even as the Trinamool Congress celebrates its resounding win in the Assembly polls in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is continuing to contest her loss in the Nandigram constituency to one-time associate Suvendu Adhikari.

Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, Mamata Banerjee said she had information that the returning officer in Nandigram wanted recounting of votes in Nandigram. "But as he informed an Election Commission official in Delhi, the officer was threatened with dire consequences. He told me that he felt that his life was at stake," Mamata said. Mamata declared she would go to the Supreme Court against the Election Commission rejecting calls for a recount in Nandigram.

Mamata rejected claims that the TMC activists were attacking BJP offices after the election results. Mamata was quoted by ANI as saying, "They (BJP) are posting photographs of old riot; it's their habit. I don't like any violence. Why BJP is doing that? Even after winning with a thumping majority, we didn't do any kind of celebration."

Mamata exuded confidence about the opposition's chances for the 2024 Parliamentary polls. "I am just a street fighter. I can boost up people, so that we can fight against BJP. One can't do everything alone. I think all together we can fight the battle for 2024. Let's fight COVID first," Mamata told ANI.

Mamata also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging he did not call to congratulate her on the TMC’s win. Mamata said, "This is the first time a prime minister did not call." Modi had tweeted his wishes to Mamata.